The environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in Ghana cannot be reversed immediately, according to Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Spokesperson and Media Relations Officer of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). He stated that the damage accumulated over several years requires sustained efforts and time to address. Schandorf made these remarks on Accra-based JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, November 14.
Schandorf cautioned against judging the current administration's anti-galamsey campaign solely by the immediate environmental results. He explained that although the government had introduced several interventions to tackle illegal mining, the impact of those measures would take time to become evident. The NAIMOS spokesperson rejected assessments by some commentators that the fight against illegal mining had failed under the current administration.
The government needs sufficient time to reverse the environmental damage caused by years of illegal mining activities, Schandorf stressed. He added that the government may be rolling out a raft of interventions to deal with the issue, but the results would not be immediate and instantaneous. His comments come amid intensified enforcement operations by NAIMOS, which has recently reported several interventions targeting illegal mining activities across the country.
According to figures presented by the Secretariat's Director of Operations, Colonel K.S. Appiah, NAIMOS conducted 738 operational activities between June 13 and September 30, 2026, covering approximately 50,662 kilometres. During this period, the task force destroyed 1,970 changfan machines and 863 makeshift structures. The operations also resulted in the recovery of 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition.
In addition to the destruction of equipment and recovery of arms, NAIMOS seized more than 100 excavators during the period. The operations demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling the issue of illegal mining, which has had devastating environmental impacts on the country. The fight against galamsey is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach.
Schandorf's comments highlight the challenges faced by the government in addressing the issue of illegal mining. The environmental damage caused by galamsey activities has been a major concern for many years, and it will require sustained efforts to reverse the damage. The government has introduced several interventions, including the establishment of NAIMOS, to tackle the issue.
The government has assured that it will continue to work to address the issue of illegal mining and reverse the environmental damage caused by the activities. The fight against galamsey is an ongoing process that requires patience and understanding. Key points include the need for sustained efforts to address the environmental damage, the complexity of the issue, and the government's commitment to tackling it.
Key points
- The environmental damage caused by illegal mining in Ghana will not be reversed immediately despite government interventions.
- The government needs sufficient time to reverse the environmental damage caused by years of illegal mining activities.
- NAIMOS conducted 738 operational activities between June 13 and September 30, 2026, covering approximately 50,662 kilometres.
